Valley Blossoms at House of Blues: A Night of Musical Growth

Written for Noisescape Magazine. Find the original article here.

On September 29, 2024, the House of Blues in Boston, played host to a night of blossoming talent and infectious energy. The lineup featured promising openers Charli Adams and Mickey Darling, culminating in a stellar performance by the headlining act, Valley.

Charli Adams: A Raw, Acoustic Opening

Nashville native Charli Adams set the tone for the evening with a stripped-down acoustic set. Armed with just her guitar and soulful voice, Adams showcased her songwriting prowess with tracks from her 2021 debut album. The intimate performance also included her latest single, "Airlift," released earlier this month, along with a preview of some still unreleased material.

Mickey Darling: Dancing into the Spotlight

As Mickey Darling took the stage, the energy in the venue shifted. Fresh off the release of their debut album, "Let's Dance Until We Get Scared," the San Antonio-based group lived up to their album's title. Frontman Skyler Molina's infectious enthusiasm had the crowd moving from start to finish. Their self-described "Bedroom Pop" sound, reminiscent of Boy Pablo and Gus Dapperton, proved to be the perfect bridge between the night's opener and headliner.

Valley: A Garden in Full Bloom

With the audience primed and ready, Valley emerged to a to a big crowd reactoin. The Juno award-winning band from Canada, now a trio (with an additional bassist for live performances), showcased their growth and evolution with songs from their latest album, "Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden."

It was evident that many in attendance were long-time fans, having followed Valley since their 2016 debut. However, the new material demonstrated that the band's transition to a trio has only refined their sound. Each song from the new album highlighted their improved musicianship and songwriting skills.

The setlist struck a perfect balance between fresh tracks and fan favorites, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and discovery. Valley's performance proved that they are a band in constant evolution, always pushing their boundaries while staying true to the sound that earned them a dedicated fanbase.

For those who witnessed this musical journey, it was an unforgettable night that left us eagerly anticipating what these artists, especially Valley, will bring to the stage next.